The Undie Chest Launches 2025 Back-2-School Undie Drive to Support Arizona Students

The campaign aims to collect 5,000 pairs of new underwear and raise $10,000 to help students return to school with comfort and confidence.

PHOENIX, AZ — July 17, 2025 — The Undie Chest, the nonprofit arm of The Bra Recyclers, is launching its annual Back-2-School Undie Drive this August to support students across Arizona with one of the most overlooked essentials: new underwear. 

Running from August 1st to 31st, the campaign aims to collect 5,000 pairs of new undies and raise $10,000 to help children in underserved communities start the school year with dignity, comfort, and confidence.

Underwear may seem like a small thing, but for many families already facing financial stress, even basic items like this are out of reach, and rarely covered by school funding. 

The Undie Chest works directly with schools, shelters, and service organizations to fill this gap and ensure kids have access to clean, well-fitting underwear so they can feel secure and ready to learn.

“Underwear is one of the most requested but least donated items,” said Elaine Birks-Mitchell, CEO of The Bra Recyclers and Executive Director of The Undie Chest. “For students, something as simple as having clean underwear can make the difference between showing up or staying home. It directly impacts their comfort, confidence, and even their ability to participate in school.”

The campaign theme, “Back to School with Confidence,” reflects the belief that every child deserves to feel good about themselves as they walk into the classroom, no matter their background. 

Supporters are encouraged to get involved in a number of ways:

• Host an undie drive in their community, workplace, or school

• Donate overstock, returns or samples if they’re a retailer or brand

• Give online through a one-time or recurring donation

• Spread awareness by sharing social media content or short videos using the campaign toolkit.

The Undie Chest evolved from The Bra Recyclers’ commitment to creating a circular and compassionate approach to clothing—one that keeps new underwear out of landfills and gets essentials into the hands of those who need them. 

“It’s not just about underwear — it’s about showing kids that they’re seen, supported, and worthy of care,” said Elaine Birks-Mitchell. “This drive is a small act that makes a big impact.”

To learn more, get involved, or make a donation, visit:
🔗 /bit.ly/back-with-confidence

For media inquiries, interviews, or to feature the campaign, please contact:
📧 Elaine Birks-Mitchell — contactus@undiechest.org. 

About The Undie Chest
The Undie Chest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to restoring dignity through the gift of new underwear. It provides essential support to individuals and families in need across the U.S. — including students, domestic violence survivors, and those experiencing homelessness — through direct donations and partnerships with local service organizations The nonprofit has diverted over 4 million bras from landfill and donated them to more than 100 nonprofit partners globally.

About The Bra Recyclers
Founded in 2008, The Bra Recyclers is a social enterprise committed to reducing fashion waste and supporting women and girls in need through the reuse and recycling of gently used bras.